Munich's pride ambles out to tackle Lexus LS400 and company with longer legs. The wheel base has been increased to 120.9" and, presumably, legroom is what the "L" in iL stands for.

The package is brimming with everything you could possibly think of and if its approach still leaves you wanting then the $100, 000 V-12 powered 750"no options"iL is what you need. If neither appeals, the "thrifty" 740i, which stepped out for 1996, has been made available by popular demand.

The rear wheel drive 740iL comes with a leather lined, walnut wooded interior and a host of technological features, many of which are industry firsts. And BMW's commitment to constant improvement, megalomania to some, has made it an even better value than before.

The 4.4 (up from 4.0) 4-cam all-aluminium V-8 has been upgraded with silicon- impregnated cylinder walls, lighter cam-drive chains and valve-lifters, and lower valve-spring forces. As a result torque is up(310 lb.-ft. vs. 295) and available at a lower rpm (3900 vs. 4500). Power remains at 282 but unlike last year, this version is no longer taxed for guzzling gas.

The ZF 5-speed auto is as suave as the LS 400's, and it provides solid, early shifts in either direction. The ATC (Adaptive Transmission Control) chip alters shifting patterns according to driving manner. However, in trying to be overly smart, it tortures itself needlessly and hunts and pecks between fourth and fifth on mild slopes.

As BMWs go, the 7-series is lower on the flexible plot and is more at home ploughing through interstates, where its immense reach makes ambitious trips seem pleasantly short. With a drag coefficient of 0.31 it's expectedly quiet. As a sedate cruiser, it shines by virtue of the many "little" knick-knacks such as the infinitely adjustable, heated electric front seats and the superb automatic dual climate control system. The latter is infuriating to set and requires a PhD in electronics to master completely. Mercifully, once positioned, it needs few iterations and will modulate cabin temperature without human intervention, as I discovered on a recent journey from Ohio to Florida. Rear accomodations are sumptuous; passengers aren't suffocated in this elongated cabin owing to ventilation outlets. The electrical rear seat control switches will keep restless rich kids entertained.

Body motions are firm yet not disconcertingly harsh, in true BMW fashion. The MacPherson-strut/ lower-A-arm front suspension and the multi-link rear combine well with the 16 in. alloy wheels.

The car has been engineered to look for its occupants as well as fend for itself. Huge 13'' rotors, standard anti-lock brakes, and traction control should keep owners sunny side up. The speed-sensitive, variable-assist recirculating-ball steering is a wizard with desperate U-turns--always nice to know if, accidentally, you blow into a nasty neighborhood, as I did in Miami. For those who can't park, a Park Distance Control uses ultra-sonic sensors embedded in the bumpers that guide you via beeps into and out of intricate places.

This thing sleeps with one eye open for trouble. It's got a motion detector to discourage the ugly elements. The constantly changing ignition code renders key duplication null and void. Breaking the windows emits a siren so fearful, it'll make dumb crooks think that enemy missiles are approaching.

Then, is it better than the LS 400? Difficult to answer. If pressed, I would admit, "On some fronts." The Lexus is easier to drive and is less intimidating. The BMW is impassively cold and takes time to fall in love with. During the first few days of ownership, it'll do its best to make you think, frequently, about returning it to store. But, in its inimitable way, the Bimmer is a fabulously eccentric automobile. Privately, I wouldn't think twice about owning one.

740iL in Numbers:

Engine: 10
Transmission: 9
Brakes: 10
Ride: 10
Handling: 10
Ergonomics/Visibility: 8
Interior Accomodations: 10
Structure: 10
Exterior Styling: 9
Fun to drive: 10

Copyright©1996, "Ride On", Mesmer Productions. All rights reserved.